The Way of Beauty
CHRIST THE REDEEMER
THEME: Christ the Redeemer
FOCUS OF THE MEDITATION: We will become aware that the invitation to follow Christ is both an honor and a privilege. We begin by attempting to understand our Lord and king in relationship to us, but soon realize the life Jesus offers is filled with joy in abundance.
Antonio Allegrri (known as Correggio)
Vatican Museums’ Pinacoteca
1523-1524
"This painting is entirely Christ-centered, and so our meditation and Scripture passage will likewise direct our attention to focus solely on Jesus Seated on a throne of clouds, Jesus dominates the artwork, placed dramatically in the center of Correggio's composition.”
"Notice the aura around Christ with angelic faces dreamily mixed together in the surrounding cloud."
"See in our image how Jesus is set apart in solar yellows and gold that fade into fleshy pinks as if to trick our eyes to regard these cherubs as roses crowning the Lord of heavenly hosts."
"As we meditate here on Christ the Redeemer, St. Ignatius invites us to ask ourselves some fundamental questions about this person who looks back at us as we gaze upon him. The Lord spoke to Pilate about his reign, challenging him to see beyond his limited scope."
"Have you turned your anxious questions over to Jesus, the Redeemer? What hinders you from fully trusting in the Lord?"
"Jesus' teaching has affect the world like no other, yet he wants to speak to you. Spend time in prayer enraptured by Jesus' beauty and moral integrity."
SCRIPTURE MEDITATION
John 18:33-37
Pilate entered the praetorium again and called Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?”
Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world.”
Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice.”
PRAYER AND REFLECTION
"Look upon the image of Christ the Redeemer. How will you lean upon the Lord today, entrusting him to work for your good? What pieces of your life need Christ the Redeemer?"
The comments above are taken from Meditations on Vatican Art by Fr. Mark Haydu. To truly enter into this Visio Divina, I suggest purchasing the book as each masterpiece comes with a complete description, prayer and reflection, and spiritual exercise.